Serving as a long-distance caregiver for a family member who lives more than an hour away can present many difficulties. Although many family home caregivers experience guilt and anxiety, those who are trying to offer and coordinate care from a distance may not only experience these more acutely but may also confront additional difficulties in trying to provide care. Taking steps to prevent and manage emergencies can help ease the burden of responsibility on long-distance caregivers.
Since you cannot always be there, in the event of a life-threatening emergency, you will not be able to respond in person to the situation. Thus, having other support systems in place locally is critical.
One option is having an electronic alert system. Many devices today rely on technology to keep seniors safe. These devices help those with disabilities when no one is with them. Most devices allow the senior to activate them in an emergency. Many are also triggered when they sense the person wearing them has fallen. A call center is then notified to send help. Increasingly, such devices include a Global Positioning System (GPS). This helps keep tabs on a senior’s location. GPS is especially useful for seniors with dementia who may wander. These devices can ease the anxiety of long-distance caregivers. They also help caregivers who are not always at the senior’s home.
Another key to developing local support is identifying local resources. Senior centers, religious institutions, and community organizations can help by delivering meals and providing local transportation. They can also make occasional home visits or offer other in-home care services. Long-distance caregivers can work with a local geriatric care manager. This manager can identify resources and monitor in-home care services. This approach helps ease the family caregiver burden. A professional home care agency offers more extensive senior home care services. These services include meal preparation, housekeeping, grocery shopping, and personal hygiene assistance. Other personal care services are also available.
In addition to developing local resources, the other key to managing long-distance care is making the most of the time you are in the local area. Try to make sure medical appointments are scheduled at a time you will be in the area. Make sure your schedule will allow time for you to connect with others who are providing care to your loved one so you can get updates and, ideally, witness some of the interaction between your loved one and their local caregivers. Taking time to get to know your loved one’s neighbors or others in the community can expand your pool of local support
There are several other good practices to help while serving as a long distance caregiver. Make sure to have your loved one sign releases so that their doctors can keep you informed from afar. Try to identify a neighbor or other person who lives close by who can stop by and check in on your loved one in the event you are having trouble getting a hold of them. Set up regular methods and times of communication not only to give you peace of mind, but also to help your loved one know that you remember them and ease their sense of isolation.
To find out more about how Assisting Hands can accommodate your senior care needs in the Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, and Estero, FL area, call us at (239) 337-4263 or fill out our contact form.
